Handheld computer

ABSTRACT

A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/385,241 filed on Mar. 20, 2006 entitled “Handheld Computer”; which isa Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/080,437 filed onFeb. 21, 2002 entitled “Handheld Computer With Open Accessory Slot”;which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,440filed on Feb. 4, 1999 entitled “Handheld Computer With Open AccessorySlot”. All of the aforementioned priority applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a handheld computer. More particularly,the invention relates a handheld computer having a housing with amidframe construction, two accessory slots, or an integral infraredport.

2. Description of Related Art

Handheld computers, including personal digital assistants and palm-sizedcomputers, provide the user with a wide variety of functions, such as acalendar, an address book, a task list, a notepad, and a calculator.These handheld computers may be approximately the size of a stack of3″×5″ index cards, sufficiently compact to fit into a shirt pocket.

Current handheld computers, such as the PalmPilot™ from 3ComCorporation, typically have a housing which consists of a mating frontshell and back shell which are coupled to each other with screws. Thefront shell and back shell enclose the components of the handheldcomputer. Typically, a main board is mounted on one of the shells.Assembly of current handheld computer is often labor-intensive andtime-consuming. Furthermore, the front shell and back shell need to besufficiently structurally rigid to resist bending and twisting forces.Also, the main board may also need to be sufficiently thick to resistbending and twisting forces. As a result, these handheld computers maynot be made as compact as desired due to the need for additionalmaterial.

Current handheld computers also typically have a single storage orretention slot for a stylus or writing device. This storage slot isusually on one side or the other of the handheld computer, and thuscannot equally accommodate both left-handed and right-handed users.

Current handheld computers also typically have an infrared port which isa port or window transmissive to infrared light. This port or window isusually installed in a hole or opening in the housing.

What is needed is a handheld computer having a housing which allows foreasy assembly of the handheld computer and minimizes the amount ofmaterial required for the housing, yet provides sufficient structuralrigidity.

What is also needed is a handheld computer capable of storing a stylusor writing device which can equally accommodate the preferences of bothleft-handed and right-handed users.

What is also needed is a handheld computer having a housing whichsimplifies the infrared port or eliminates the need to create a separateopening to install an infrared port.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a handheld computer,comprising a housing including a midframe coupled to a front shell and aback shell. A substantial portion of at least one side of the midframeforms part of an exterior of the housing. The housing is capable of atleast partially enclosing a plurality of components.

The present invention is also directed towards a handheld computer,comprising a housing having a first and second elongate accessory slotsassociated with a left and right sides of the housing, respectively. Thefirst and second accessory slots are capable of receiving andaccommodating at least one removable accessory device.

The present invention is also directed towards a handheld computer atleast partially constructed of a material at least partiallytransmissive to infrared light and having a portion which acts as aninfrared port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a handheldcomputer of the present invention.

FIGURES 1B-1F show top, front, side, back, and bottom views of oneembodiment of a handheld computer.

FIG. 1G shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a handheld computer.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a midframe.

FIGS. 2B-2G show top, left side, front, right side, back, and bottomviews of one embodiment of a midframe.

FIGS. 3A-3C show front, cutaway, and close-up views, respectively, of aninfrared port which is a portion of the midframe.

FIG. 4A shows a stylus partially inserted into one of the accessoryslots of the housing.

FIG. 4B shows a stylus fully inserted into one of the accessory slots ofthe housing.

FIG. 5A shows a cover capable of being inserted into one of theaccessory slots of the housing.

FIG. 5B shows the cover inserted into one of the accessory slots of thehousing.

FIG. 6A shows an input/output stylus about to be inserted into one ofthe accessory slots of the housing.

FIG. 6B shows a close-up view of accessory slot contacts located withinan accessory slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The handheld computer of the present invention uses one or more featureswhich help make the handheld computer more compact and easier tomanufacture. One of these features is a housing which uses a sandwichconstruction. Another of these features is the use of partially openaccessory slots for a stylus and other accessories. These accessoryslots only partially enclose the accessories, and allow the handheldcomputer to be made narrower compared to completely enclosed accessoryslots. Yet another of these features is an integral infrared port whichis part of the housing of the handheld computer. This integral infraredport simplifies assembly of the handheld computer by eliminating theneed for a separate window or port to be assembled with the housing.

FIG. 1A-1G show a perspective, top, front, side, back, bottom, andexploded views, respectively, of one embodiment of a handheld computer100. Handheld computer 100 may run PalmOS™, Windows CE™, or any othersuitable operating system. Handheld computer 100 is capable of runningpreprogrammed and/or installed applications, such as an electroniccalendar and address book.

Handheld computer 100 includes a housing 110, which may be made up ofone or more subhousings or sections. Housing 110 supports, encloses,and/or protects the components of handheld computer 100. Thesecomponents may include a display 120, user interface devices 130,input/output devices 140, a main board 150, battery 151, a flexiblecircuit 152, and an electrostatic discharge device 154. Housing 110includes openings, lens, and/or ports for the components of handheldcomputer 100, such as for the display 120, user interface devices 130,and input/output devices 140. Housing 110 may also include at least onemounting device 119, which allows the attachment of optional accessoriessuch as a modem with a compatible mounting device. Mounting device 119may be a combination of indentations and slots on the back of housing110 designed to accommodate optional accessories.

Display 120 may be an LCD display, active matrix display,touch-sensitive display, or other suitable display. Display 120 may beseparated from housing 110 by one or more gaskets 121. Gaskets 121absorb shock and allow a close fit between housing 110 and display 120.If display 120 is a touch-sensitive display, gaskets 121 also act as aspacer to prevent housing 110 from inadvertently activating thetouch-sensitive display.

User interface devices 130 allow the user to input data and commandsinto handheld computer 100. User interface devices 130 may include atouch-sensitive display, digitizer, stylus, and one or more buttons. Atouch-sensitive display is capable of receiving commands tapped orwritten on display 120 with a finger, stylus, or other device. Adigitizer is capable of digitizing handwritten input by the user on atouch-sensitive display and converting it to a computer-readable form. Adigitizer may be incorporated into display 120.

Buttons may be mechanical buttons, or implemented on a digitizer ortouch-sensitive display. Mechanical buttons may be flat, convex,concave, or any other desired shape and texture. Mechanical buttons maybe formed individually, or several mechanical buttons may be formed on asingle strip for ease of manufacturing and installation. Buttons may befixed or programmable to activate a variety of applications such as acalendar, an address book, a task list, a notepad, a menu, a calculator,a search program, and other applications. Buttons may also activatedevice functions such as scrolling functions, power, reset, and displayadjustment. Scrolling functions allow the user to scroll across screensshown on display 120. Scrolling functions may be a implemented on arocker switch designed to prevent both scroll up and scroll down buttonsfrom being pressed simultaneously. Power allows the user to turn on andoff handheld computer 100. Reset allows the user to reset handheldcomputer 100. Display adjustment allows the user to adjust parameters ondisplay 120, such as brightness or contrast. Display adjustment may beused alone or in conjunction with other buttons such as scroll up andscroll down buttons, or bring up a software implementation of displayadjustment.

Input/output devices 140 allow handheld computer 100 to communicate andexchange information with other electronic apparatus. Input/outputdevices 140 may include one or more infrared ports and external ports.An infrared port includes an infrared transmitter/receiver 153positioned next to a window or port which is at least partiallytransmissive to infrared light. One embodiment of an infrared port isdiscussed further below. An external port includes one or more externalcontacts which may receive mating connectors in different fashions. Forexample, external port may receive peripheral connectors in a slidingfashion or a contact-only fashion. External ports may be located on anyside or within an accessory slot 122 of handheld computer 100. Externalports may be integrated into housing 110, or may be manufactured as aseparate connector assembly which is then assembled into handheldcomputer 100. An external port may also be used for recharging arechargeable battery in handheld computer 100.

Main board 150 may be a printed circuit board which includes integratedcircuits and connections for display 120 and other components. Mainboard 150 may include a processor and memory. Main board 150 may alsoinclude transceivers, [clicker buttons], and various connections toother components.

Battery 151 provides power to handheld computer 100, and may berechargeable or disposable, fixed or removable. Battery 151 may be aLi-ion (lithium ion), NiMH (nickel metal hydride), NiCd (nickelcadmium), alkaline, or any other suitable battery.

Flexible circuit 152 may be used to connect main board 152 to some orall of the other components of handheld computer 100. Flexible circuit152 may be constructed of a thin, flexible material such as Mylar™ whichallows handheld computer 100 to be made thinner than with a printedcircuit board. Flexible circuit 152 may also be used to carrycomponents, such as an infrared transmitter/receiver 153. Flexiblecircuit 152 may also act as a shield or cover to prevent the entry ofdust and prevent optional accessories using or inserted through mountingdevice 119 from short circuiting any of the internal components ofhandheld computer 100.

Electrostatic discharge device 154 may ground housing 110 to main board150 if some or all of housing 110 is made of a conductive material suchas a metal. Electrostatic discharge device 154 prevents damage tocomponents from electrostatic discharge between housing 110 and mainboard 150 or other components, and prevents damage from excessivevoltage or current. Electrostatic discharge device 154 may be anelectrostatic discharge clip or other device made of a conductivematerial.

Housing With Left and Right Accessory Slots

In one embodiment of handheld computer 100, housing 110 includes twoaccessory slots 112 which can accommodate different accessory devicesdesigned for use with handheld computer 100, such as a stylus 400.Accessory slots 112 are located on the left side and the right side ofhousing 110 to equally accommodate the preferences of both left-handedand right-handed users. Accessory slots 112 may only partially encloseaccessory devices along the length of the accessory devices, and thusallow handheld computer 100 to be made narrower and thinner than withcompletely enclosed accessory slots. Accessory slots 112 may besubstantially cylindrical. A portion along substantially the length ofan accessory device may be exposed to the exterior of handheld computer100. Accessory devices may be inserted end first into housing 110 at anopen end of accessory slot 112. Accessory slots 112 may have a retainingdevice 113 to prevent accessory devices from accidentally falling out.Retaining device 113 may be a detent or notch which corresponds to amatching detent or notch on accessory devices. Retaining device 113 mayalso be a door, clip, or other mechanism. Accessory slots 112 may alsobe designed to have an interference fit or a snap fit with accessorydevices to prevent accessory devices from falling out. One end ofhousing 110 may be flared out, or be slightly wider than the rest ofhousing 110, and at least partially enclose the tip of an accessorydevice and act as a stop after an accessory device has been fullyinserted into accessory slot 112. Accessory devices may also simply clipsideways into accessory slots 112.

A method of manufacturing handheld computer 100 may include providinghousing 110, forming an accessory slot 112 on a left side of housing110, and forming another accessory slot 112 on a right side of housing110.

Housing With Midframe Construction

In one embodiment of handheld computer 100, housing 110 is made up of amidframe 115 sandwiched between a front shell 114 and a back shell 116.Importantly, along with front shell 114 and back shell 116, one or moresurfaces of midframe 115 form part of the exterior of handheld computer100. Midframe 115 may be as wide as front shell 114 or back shell 116.Midframe 115 may be partially enclosed by one or both of front shell 114and back shell 116. Midframe 115 holds in place one or more of theinternal components of handheld computer 100. Midframe 115, front shell114 and back shell 116 enclose and protect the internal components.Midframe 115, front shell 114, and back shell 116 may be constructed ofaluminum, stainless steel, plastic, or any other suitable material.Midframe 115, front shell 114, and back shell 116 may also be coupledtogether using one or a combination of screws, hinges, clips, othersuitable fasteners, and adhesives.

Adhesives may be adhesive sheets 117 formed into suitable shapes whichroughly approximate the outline of midframe 115, front shell 114, andback shell 116. Adhesives may also be hot melt adhesives, pressuresensitive adhesives, or any other suitable liquid or solid adhesives.

Together with the other components of handheld computer 100, midframe115, front shell 114, back shell 116 provide most of the structuralrigidity. However, the use of adhesives in the sandwich construction ofhousing 110 prevents midframe 115, front shell 114, and back shell 116from sliding relative to each other when housing 110 is subjected tobending and torsional forces, thus significantly enhancing bending andtorsional stiffness.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of midframe 115.FIGS. 2B-2G show top, left side, front, right side, back, and bottomviews of one embodiment of midframe 115.

Midframe 115 may include one or both accessory slots 112. Midframe 115also includes engaging structures 118 such as supports, tabs, posts, andclips which couple to corresponding component structures in the variouscomponents, or even the components themselves, of handheld computer 100.For example, midframe 115 may include posts which match up to holes inmain board 150, as well as clips which match up with an edge of mainboard 150 to receive and hold in place main board 150. This may beaccomplished using one or a combination of an interference fit, snapfit, or crush ribs, in which case no screws, glues, or other fastenersare necessary for installation of main board 150 onto midframe 115. Insimilar fashion, some or all of the components of handheld computer 100can be installed onto midframe 115 before front shell 114 and back shell116 are fastened to midframe 115 to substantially enclose the componentsand complete assembly of handheld computer 100.

Midframe 115 may also at least partially form some or all of the variousopenings, lens, and/or ports for display 120, user interface devices130, and input/output devices 130. For example, midframe 115 may includeopenings to accommodate one or more user interface devices 140 such as apower button and a display button. As another example, midframe 115 mayinclude external ports to accommodate external contacts for connectinghandheld computer 100 to other electronic apparatus. As yet anotherexample, midframe 115 may include a lens or window for allowing infraredtransmitter/receiver 153 inside handheld computer 100 to communicatewith other electronic apparatus outside handheld computer 100.

Some or all of the features which may be found in midframe 115, such asaccessory slots 112 and engaging structures 118, may be formed asintegral parts of midframe 115, thus reducing the complexity and cost ofmidframe 115 and thus housing 110. For example, if midframe 115 is madeof an injection molded plastic, some or all of the features mentionedpreviously may also be injection molded in the same operation.

A method for manufacturing handheld computer 100 may include providinghousing 110 which includes midframe 115, front shell 114, and back shell116, coupling one or more components to midframe 115, and then couplingfront shell 114 and back shell 116 to midframe 115.

Housing With Integral Infrared Port

In one embodiment of handheld computer 100, some or all of housing 110may be constructed of a material which is at least partiallytransmissive to infrared light. A portion of housing 110, such as aportion immediately adjacent to an infrared transceiver housed withinhousing 110, may then allow transmission of infrared signals throughhousing 110 and thus be used as an infrared port. Such a portion ofhousing 110 may be polished and/or made thinner relative to theremainder of housing 110, so as to enhance transmission of infraredsignals through housing 110. For example, if housing 110 and thus theinfrared port is injection molded, the tool may be polished to an SPIA-2 level on either or both the front and back of the infrared port toreduce transmission losses.

FIGS. 3A-3C show front, cutaway, and close-up views, respectively, of aninfrared port which is an integral part of midframe 115. Midframe 115may be constructed of a plastic which is at least partially transmissiveto infrared light. This plastic may also be opaque to visible light, sothat the interior of handheld computer 100 cannot be seen. The infraredport may be any part of housing 110 exposed to an exterior of handheldcomputer 100, or it may be a portion of midframe 115 adjacent toinfrared transmitter/receiver 153 inside handheld computer 100. Thisportion of midframe 115, shown in FIG. 3C as the shaded section, may bepolished and made thinner than the remainder of midframe 115 to enhancetransmission of infrared signals. An infrared port of this design whichis an unremoved portion of midframe 115 provides improved structuralrigidity, as well as reduces part and assembly costs, as compared to aninfrared port which requires a section of midframe 115 to be removed.

A method for manufacturing a handheld computer 100 may include providinghousing 110, housing 110 being at least partially constructed of amaterial at least partially transmissive to infrared light, housing 110capable of enclosing a plurality of components including infraredtransmitter/receiver 153, and forming the infrared port in housing 110,the infrared port being a portion of housing 110 adjacent to infraredtransmitter/receiver 153.

Housing Alternative Embodiments

In other embodiments of handheld computer 100, housing 110 may be madeup of one, two, or three or more subhousings or sections. For example,housing 110 may be made up of two opposing shells, in which half of eachaccessory slot 112 may then be formed. As another example, front shell114 and midframe 115 may actually be formed as one continuous section ofhousing 110, with back shell 116 being a second section of housing 110.As yet another example, midframe 115 may only extend partially along thelength of housing 110, or midframe 115 may be comprised of two or morecontinuous or noncontinuous sections. Other combinations and housingdesigns are possible.

Accessory Devices

Many different accessory devices may be designed to be used withhandheld computer 100. These accessory devices may be attached the backof handheld computer 100 using mounting device 119, or they may beattached using one or both of accessory slots 112. Examples of accessorydevices include docking devices, modems, printers, and cellular phones.

FIG. 4A shows a stylus 400 partially inserted into one of the accessoryslots 112 of housing 110. FIG. 4B shows stylus 400 fully inserted intoone of the accessory slots 112 of housing 110. Where display 120 is atouch-sensitive display or incorporates a digitizer, stylus 400 may beused to enter instructions and handwritten characters. Stylus 400 may bestored in either one of accessory slots 112 to equally accommodate thepreferences of both left-handed and right-handed users.

FIG. 5A shows a cover 500 capable of being used with one of theaccessory slots 112 of housing 110. FIG. 5B shows cover 500 used withone of the accessory slots 112 of housing 110. Cover 500 includes anelongate member 502 coupled to an edge of a cover panel 504. Elongatemember 502 fits into either accessory slot 112, which allows cover panel504 to fold over the front of handheld computer 100. Cover 500 thusprotects display 120 and some or all of user interface devices 130 ofhandheld computer 100. Cover 500 may be made of one or a combination ofplastic, rubber, fabric, leather, or any other suitable material.

Cover 500 may also include two elongate members 502 coupled to twoopposite edges of a cover panel 504. Both elongate members 502 fitsimultaneously into both accessory slots 112 and hold cover panel 504across the front of handheld computer 100.

FIGS. 6A-6B show another embodiment of handheld computer 100 having anexternal port with accessory slot contacts 604 located within one ofaccessory slots 112. FIGS. 6A-6B show an input/output stylus 600 aboutto be inserted into accessory slot 112 having accessory slot contacts604. Input/output stylus 600 includes stylus contacts 602 whichelectrically connect with accessory slot contacts 604 when input/outputstylus 600 is inserted into accessory slot 112. Input/output stylus 600may be a functional device itself, or may be a connection to otherdevices such as a printer.

Although stylus 400, cover 500, and input/output stylus 600 are shown inthe figures fully inserted into accessory slots 112, these and otheraccessory devices may be designed to be only partially inserted intoaccessory slots 112.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.Many modifications and variations will be apparent. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and theirequivalents.

1. A handheld computer comprising: a housing; a processor contained within the housing; a display retained by the housing, the display including a display surface; a plurality of input mechanisms, the plurality of input mechanisms including a first input mechanism that communicates with the processor to enable a first directional input and a second directional input, and one or more buttons that each communicate with the processor to enable a launch of an application to be performed in response to a button-press.
 2. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the one or more buttons to be programmable.
 3. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the first input mechanism and the one or more buttons are provided on a section of a housing surface between the display and a bottom of the housing.
 4. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the first input mechanism includes a first button or switch and a second button or switch.
 5. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the first input mechanism communicates with the processor to enable a scrolling function.
 6. The handheld computer of claim 5, wherein the first input mechanism includes a rocking switch to enable the scrolling function in either a first direction or in a second direction.
 7. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of input mechanisms includes one or more additional buttons that communicate with the processor to enable one or more of a hardware control function.
 8. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein plurality of input mechanisms include one or more additional buttons that communicate with the processor to enable at least one of a power function or a reset function.
 9. The handheld computer of claim 1, further comprising one or more components to enable cellular telephony.
 10. The handheld computer of claim 1, further comprising one or more components to enable network connectivity.
 11. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of input mechanisms are formed on a single strip.
 12. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of input mechanisms are physically interconnected. 